Guns??

Being2befit

Well the person who requested it is in military army and so he has alot of gun training.

deksgrl

I think guns are for shooting things, they can and are used to kill and injure people and animals. This is not something that makes a suitable Christmas gift.

Yes, and then we eat them. (The animals, not the people. The people are hauled inside after being shot.)

Serafimangel

I am also from the UK, cultural differences and all that, so I cant really comment on that part of the question (personally wouldn't each to their own). But isn't a gun more like a tool, like getting someone an iron or a frying pan for christmas? I know lots of people who would have a problem with recieving a 'tool-esque' thing for christmas. but then, if they asked for it, i dont see any problem. But yeah, if its a gun, make sure of the safety elements, get taught to actually use it (it cant protect you if you dont know how to use it, bit of a chocolate teapot). and keep far away from kids.

kmcrey87

If you are knowledgeable about guns, there is nothing wrong with owning them.
Be educated and smart about them.
We own two

I couldn't agree more! We own three and go to a range pretty often but if you don't know what you are doing and have no desire to learn the proper way to handle and clean a gun, it may not be such a hot idea.

alecta337

That would be an AMAZING gift to give!! We have at least 3 in our house at all times. I keep mine right above my stove I've been asking for a shot gun for years...the pump action ones! I like the sound they make

My bf and I have a mossberg pistol grip pump... I freaking love the sound it makes when I pump that thing. Lol!! I can't shoot it though, I'd end up on my *kitten*. My bf said that if someone breaks in and I absolutely have to use it to put my back up against a wall.

alecta337

Well the person who requested it is in military army and so he has alot of gun training.

If they are in the military, they probably aren't a deranged psychopath who is going to shoot you as soon as he opens the gift... seeing as he is trusted with weapons much more powerful than the one you will get him.

I don't see a problem as long as gun safety is the highest priority.

ellekay22

I'm in Canada, and I grew up eating bear, moose, and dear....so guns? Yes, for hunters.

vytamindi

If countries where the public has more guns have more crime, what do you call all of the riots going on in the UK right now? Also take a real look at the statistics not what you are being spoon fed. Haven't you heard of unground sales of illegal guns? Criminals will find a way to get guns whether they are illegal or not. Making something illegal doesn't make it impossible to get... look at the drug trade.

BeautyFromPain

are scary /:

i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:

1horsetown

We are very Pro 2nd Amendment here.

Seriously look at Ruger10-22's. The new ones.....not so much.....Ruger is resting on its laurels. But one a couple of years old is an awesome first choice. My dad has one that's had tens of THOUSANDS of shells run through it and it still functions perfectly.

Have a good hard case to lock it into when not in use and get some training from a knowledgable person.

Good luck!!

asyouseefit

I tend to agree with the Brits (fteale and co). I live in Belgium and it's really unusual to have a gun here unless you are a hunter or a policeman. I really don't feel the need to own one! The possibility something tragic happens outgrows the probability that I have to use it to defend my family, imho.

Erica0718

MY DISCLAIMER: I am not posting anything with regards pro gun or anti gun groups or individuals. I am not interested in debating the subject of gun control due to the fact that my opinion is exactly that, my opinion. I respect and defend the right for
each person to be able to express their opinion. This also include the pursuit of happiness and yada, yada.......with that being said

Since you asked a personal opinion type question, In my humble opinion, guns are great home protection as long as the following is met:

a. If you have never owned a gun...take a safety class. I'm not talking about uncle Bob who is a sharp shooter, a real qualified
and licensed trainer. And DO YOUR RESEARCH....

b. Have a safe and secure place for storage...I hate taking burglary reports and people tell us...." I had guns all over the house
and now they are gone...safe, no I dont have a safe".

c. If you have kids...dont make guns taboo. Let them shoot, then make them clean them. It is much safer if they have
knowledge about gun safety. (MAKE SURE THEY (KIDS) CANNOT ACCESS THEM....SAFE, TRIGGER LOCKS ECT)

d. You have to be prepared for any confrontation. You don't need your gun taken away from you and used against you. There
are several books out there about the psychology of deadly force encounters....ie On Killing or On Conbat by Lt Col Dave
Grossman. There are also several self defense training classes which train in alternative less leathal self defense tactics.
Also some local law enforcement agencies offer a civilian police academy which include a firearms portion.....note: some
offer. No....I dont know which ones....

e. You also need to educate yourself with regards to federal as well as your local jurisdiction laws with regards to the use of
deadly force.

There are several thing folks may not be aware of when it comes to the subject of the use of deadly force in self defense. Hopefully this information was not to confusing and was somewhat helpful...... Good luck and no matter what you decide, be safe.

But yes...if someone would like a gun, you should buy. As long as the above is being met.....

^^THIS. I have multiple guns and they are fun but should be used responsibly and children should be taught about guns & safety.

OP- Go buy one but I would recommend a handgun for home protection and like others I recommend a safety class.

m_wilh

Hubby bought me a gun for our wedding anniversary this past June. I took a concealed weapons class and will be applying for a conceal to carry permit soon. Guns are NOT EVIL and guns do not kill. People do! When you take guns away from law abiding citizens, there is nothing to stop evil from prevailing. Criminals will get ahold of a gun no matter what laws are on the books and when they do, how do law abiding citizens defend themselves???

Also, as far as having kids in the house, I have four. Everyone of them were taught to handle and shoot a gun. They know what it can do and they have a healthy respect for it. The kids who get curious enough about them in order for an accident to take place are the kids whose parents hide them and try to keep the kids away from them.

Call me a redneck if you want to. I live in the south (USA). It would make a GREAT gift!

mermx

It is really so sad that all you people feel you need to harbour a gun (or 2 or 3 of different types) and so sad that you need to lock your guns away or teach your children to handle a gun.

It is even more depressing that you would consider giving a gun as a gift.

The thing is that society has made it all acceptable and that crime has got to such a level that most of you think that it is a good gift and if you teach your kids to use a gun then everything is OK.

The thing is these gun toting people are related to somebody somewhere and could be your kids. So maybe (apart from the odd lunatic) we should be taking a bit more care with our kids and teaching then that guns are a bad thing????

Erica0718

are scary /:

i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:

I am sorry that happened but no one should ever be "playing around" with a firearm that is really dumb.

asyouseefit

Without guns, the Brits would be speaking German, and the USA would be speaking Japanese.

Guns are merely an instrument. It takes a person to make an instrument dangerous.

Without guns, the Germans wouldn't have invaded Europe in the first place.

KimmieBrie

are scary /:

i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:

This is what causes gun accidents - ignorance.

Anyone who has taken a basic safety course or proper training knows:

1) ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded.
2) NEVER point it at anyone unless you intend to shoot them- point it in the safest direction
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Gun cases can be found and opened, safetys can fail. Education saves lives.

dsjohndrow

All guns belong locked up. Even if it is for home protection, you can get a finger print safe that only you, or a family member can open. Guns are not for kids. I have been a sportsman for many years, and I was trained in the service. Careless storage is as stupid as texting while driving. If you are inexperienced take a class if your state doesn't require one, you'll be glad you did, and so will every one in your home.

There are lots of places that are crazy with gun laws, and others that don't have enough, be a good and safe gun owner. If guns kill people, than all my are defective.

mallorybriann

I feel I need to protect myself and my family (when I have one).
I rather be overprotected than under protected. A German Shepherd can only protect me so much.
EDUCATION about PROPER gun safety is key.
A gun is not bad; it's when it gets into the wrong hands.

It is really so sad that all you people feel you need to harbour a gun (or 2 or 3 of different types) and so sad that you need to lock your guns away or teach your children to handle a gun.

It is even more depressing that you would consider giving a gun as a gift.

The thing is that society has made it all acceptable and that crime has got to such a level that most of you think that it is a good gift and if you teach your kids to use a gun then everything is OK.

The thing is these gun toting people are related to somebody somewhere and could be your kids. So maybe (apart from the odd lunatic) we should be taking a bit more care with our kids and teaching then that guns are a bad thing????

sandhillcrane

I have a license to carry. (.380) and have several other guns. I love to shoot and have gotten quite good at it. I do believe in education for anyone is going to own a gun!! A 12 gauge shotgun is rather intimidating for home protection...and fun to shoot! :glasses:

Classalete

I'm a lifetime NRA benefactor member. I'm licensed to carry a concealed firearm. I own tens of guns, practice responsible gun safety, handling, and am thankful to have never had to use one in self defense.

mallorybriann

double.

anitam1987

That's a great gift idea. We are going to the gun show this weekend ourselves to do some Christmas shopping!

lizgreenhill

as long as you and whomever else lives in the home is knowledgable about guns there is absolutely nothing wrong with having guns in the home and as long as they are locked up or put up where kids cant get to them. We have 5 in our home 1 is actually a hand gun that we keep out for personal safetly at all times.

Erica0718

It is really so sad that all you people feel you need to harbour a gun (or 2 or 3 of different types) and so sad that you need to lock your guns away or teach your children to handle a gun.

It is even more depressing that you would consider giving a gun as a gift.

The thing is that society has made it all acceptable and that crime has got to such a level that most of you think that it is a good gift and if you teach your kids to use a gun then everything is OK.

The thing is these gun toting people are related to somebody somewhere and could be your kids. So maybe (apart from the odd lunatic) we should be taking a bit more care with our kids and teaching then that guns are a bad thing????

Guns are not a bad thing, bad people with guns are bad. Yes I do feel the need to own several different types of guns not only for protection but as a hobby, they are fun to target shoot with. Yes children do need to be taught gun safety and know it is not ok to play with a firearm.

BTW: I am one of these "gun toting lunatics" you speak of and can assure you I have completed a firearm safety course and a gun carry permit class. It is my right to carry one for personal protection from the real lunatics.

And if someone gave me one as a gift I would be very happy and would enjoy target shooting with it. Not going to go waving it around or anything crazy like that.

Denimgirl

I would love a gun as a gift! I have my conceal carry license and would love to have a smaller gun to carry on my person or in my purse.

I think a gun is a great gift. When I'm thinking about giving a gift that might be iffy, I try to put my own feelings out of the way and think about the person. I definitely would not give a gun to someone who had a history that is direct opposition of the responsibility of owning a gun.

trooper605

bump

treesloth

OP, a couple of questions...

1) Are there kids around that are not familiar with guns?
2) What is the intended purpose of the gun? Defense? Hunting? Training the kids? Dealing with cats?

I would love a gun as a gift! I have my conceal carry license and would love to have a smaller gun to carry on my person or in my purse.

May I suggest looking at both the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec PF-9? The .380 in the Ruger is no longer the liability it used to be, and the PF-9 can use full-house 9mm ammo. Neither is an adequate full-size defense caliber, but as a small or secondary carry weapon, both serve well.

I said guns cause more GUN CRIME, which is not up for debate, surely?

On the contrary, guns do not cause more gun crime, any more than the availability of a prostitute *causes* a person to stray from their spouse. They simply afford an opportunity to a person so inclined. Now, we can reasonably ask whether the person who chose to use a gun would have used something else to commit the crime instead had the gun not been available. Given the shifts in tools in places where guns are taken away, such as Britain, it's not unreasonable to suppose so.

It is really so sad...

Do you have anything to offer besides hand-wringing "so sad" and "depressing"? Anything at all? See, to people that have lived both ways-- with and without access to firearms-- the situation is often the reverse. It's not sad at all. It's a great skill to have and teach. So, try this: Go buy a gun. Learn to use it. You'll quickly discover that it's not a thing to fear. A gun is not a bad thing. It answers to you.

It has nothing to do with crime having "reached such a level". If anything, gun ownership and competence per capita has declined over the last several decades. My learning to use them was in no way connected to crime, either commission or defense against. I only learned situational self-defense shooting later, and I honestly doubt I'll ever have to apply it, but I sure like knowing I could if the worst should happen. Try that yourself. See if your attitude changes. And, if it doesn't, at least you'll know of what you speak.

mallorybriann

OP, a couple of questions...

1) Are there kids around that are not familiar with guns?
2) What is the intended purpose of the gun? Defense? Hunting? Training the kids? Dealing with cats?

I would love a gun as a gift! I have my conceal carry license and would love to have a smaller gun to carry on my person or in my purse.

May I suggest looking at both the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec PF-9? The .380 in the Ruger is no longer the liability it used to be, and the PF-9 can use full-house 9mm ammo. Neither is an adequate full-size defense caliber, but as a small or secondary carry weapon, both serve well.

I said guns cause more GUN CRIME, which is not up for debate, surely?

On the contrary, guns do not cause more gun crime, any more than the availability of a prostitute *causes* a person to stray from their spouse. They simply afford an opportunity to a person so inclined. Now, we can reasonably ask whether the person who chose to use a gun would have used something else to commit the crime instead had the gun not been available. Given the shifts in tools in places where guns are taken away, such as Britain, it's not unreasonable to suppose so.

It is really so sad...

Do you have anything to offer besides hand-wringing "so sad" and "depressing"? Anything at all? See, to people that have lived both ways-- with and without access to firearms-- the situation is often the reverse. It's not sad at all. It's a great skill to have and teach. So, try this: Go buy a gun. Learn to use it. You'll quickly discover that it's not a thing to fear. A gun is not a bad thing. It answers to you.

It has nothing to do with crime having "reached such a level". If anything, gun ownership and competence per capita has declined over the last several decades. My learning to use them was in no way connected to crime, either commission or defense against. I only learned situational self-defense shooting later, and I honestly doubt I'll ever have to apply it, but I sure like knowing I could if the worst should happen. Try that yourself. See if your attitude changes. And, if it doesn't, at least you'll know of what you speak.

trooper605

It is really so sad that all you people feel you need to harbour a gun (or 2 or 3 of different types) and so sad that you need to lock your guns away or teach your children to handle a gun.

It is even more depressing that you would consider giving a gun as a gift.

The thing is that society has made it all acceptable and that crime has got to such a level that most of you think that it is a good gift and if you teach your kids to use a gun then everything is OK.

The thing is these gun toting people are related to somebody somewhere and could be your kids. So maybe (apart from the odd lunatic) we should be taking a bit more care with our kids and teaching then that guns are a bad thing????